The combination could be called BorRhone or RhoneDeaux, but she says devotees call the flavorful mélange "the thinking drinker's shareable red."

Only 145 cases have been produced.

The wine, with 12.5 percent alcohol, pairs well with burgers, barbecued ribs, goulash and meat-based chili, pasta or pizza.

Poultry appreciators could serve it with spit-roasted chicken or chicken enchiladas, and vegetarians could enjoy it with eggplant Parmesan or grilled veggies, says Hawkins.

"The bolder the cheese, the better pairing," she adds.

The label's first release was the 2011 Dry Gewürztraminer ($9), a white wine with 111/2 percent alcohol that is true to the German version of the grape, not the sweet types typically poured in most American restaurants.